Community Event / Creation Imperial Courier redesign

Zaptruder

Zaptruder
The Imperial Courier is probably my favourite ship from the Elite universe... and really probably one of the best looking space ship designs from any fictional universe.

So I was quite disappointed when one of the sketches they did for it ended up looking like a whale D:

Empire_Courier.jpg


So I decided to take it upon myself to reimagine the Imperial Courier in a form much closer to its original proportions, as seen in Frontier's dramatic intro. A sleeker, much more aggressive ship that has the appearance of the Space Superiority fighter and empire rival to the Cobra MK III that it purports to be.

First I loosely sketched it up:

DINfqhu.jpg


Basically I took the original silhouette of the Courier and added some 3D form work and some sketchy lines for some surfacing and paneling detail.

Then I modelled a quick sketch 3D in sketchup.

mEzTzdi.jpg

ggAh1PC.jpg

tDmxGjU.jpg

DwiZ4IG.jpg


Cobra MKIII vs Imperial Courier size comparison
egDhDOs.jpg


Quite pleased with how it came out. But what do you guys think? Might take it further and properly model it in 3D.
 

Retrograde

Retrograde
Very cool and sleek! I like it. And I agree that the concepts we've seen could be more elegant.

My only critique is that with your design, I now wonder what the forward pointy bits on the wings are for. If they're hard points, I think they should look like it. They need a bit of purpose. And I presume you won't be having them rotate. :)
 

Zaptruder

Zaptruder
Retrograde said:
Very cool and sleek! I like it. And I agree that the concepts we've seen could be more elegant.

My only critique is that with your design, I now wonder what the forward pointy bits on the wings are for. If they're hard points, I think they should look like it. They need a bit of purpose. And I presume you won't be having them rotate. :)
Click to expand...

Long range scanners? :)

There's actually 2 missile tubes per wing pylon. The pointiest bits are just like the pointy bits on real world fighter jets - antenna/radar bits.
 

Iskariot

Iskariot
I am very curious about what FD has in store for us, but this is a very cool model for sure. It looks like a very capable and dangerous machine.

FD's concept looks very convoluted and messy. Too much going on I feel.
But it is a concept. I hope it turns out good like the other ships.
 
Last edited:

Josh Atack

Former Frontier Employee
Frontier
Hi Zaptruder,

Nice ship! cool shapes, nice engine detail.

In terms of it being an Imperial ship in Elite Dangerous, I think the panel lines and shape feel maybe more federal than Imperial. The Imperials tend to take long curved sculptural panels rather than straights and breaks.

I hope you don't mind I did a quick sketch over the top of what I meant in terms of shape usage.

pddskba.jpg


Anyway, just my two pence!

-J
 

Senator Drew

Senator Drew
Command ZapTruder, the Senator approves. We'll have one immediately. In British Racing Green, Chrome highlights and tan leather interior.

In his everlasting name.

Senator Drew.
 

Zaptruder

Zaptruder
Josh Atack said:
Hi Zaptruder,

Nice ship! cool shapes, nice engine detail.

In terms of it being an Imperial ship in Elite Dangerous, I think the panel lines and shape feel maybe more federal than Imperial. The Imperials tend to take long curved sculptural panels rather than straights and breaks.

I hope you don't mind I did a quick sketch over the top of what I meant in terms of shape usage.

pddskba.jpg


Anyway, just my two pence!

-J
Click to expand...

That's fantastic. Yeah, I can immediately see the imperial/federal contrast to it.

Let's call mine the Federal Courier then. Hahaha. Cheers, thanks for taking the time :)
 

Dogmeat

D
Lovely stuff! Must say I agree with your assessment of the concept art: Too lumpy and blunt for my idea of the Courier, and the 'things' on the end of the wings were always engines, not great big guns!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom